Can you have 2 medical insurance policies?

Asked by: Flo Kunde  |  Last update: November 9, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (75 votes)

Having dual coverage is perfectly legal. But you must coordinate your two policies correctly to ensure you cover your medical expenses compliantly. If you're new to dual insurance, you've come to the right place!

Can I have two health insurance policies at the same time?

Can I have 2 health insurance plans at the same time? Yes. A process called coordination of benefits determines which insurance plan will pay first. Your primary plan will pay for the health claim first, paying the costs up to the plan's coverage limits, and then your second plan will kick in.

Can you be under 2 different insurances?

Although no laws prohibit you from purchasing two auto policies from two different companies, an insurer will not allow you to purchase two policies on the same car. If you have an auto accident, filing two claims with two different insurance providers constitutes insurance fraud even with two auto policies.

How does it work if you have primary and secondary insurance?

The insurance that pays first (primary payer) pays up to the limits of its coverage. The insurance that pays second (secondary payer) only pays if there are costs the primary insurance didn't cover.

Can I have my own health insurance and be on my parents at the same time?

Yes, you can have both coverages (``dual coverage'') but be aware that your coverage you have through your work is your primary and your parent's coverage is your secondary.

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40 related questions found

Can I stay on my parents' insurance if I have my own insurance?

Can I stay on my parent's policy? If you are under age 26, yes. Eligibility for health benefits through your own job does not make you ineligible to be covered as a dependent on your parent's policy up to the age of 26.

Can you have secondary insurance with a high deductible health plan?

Correct. You may, however, join an HDHP and have an HRA while also covered by other health insurance. It is important to review eligibility requirements before you enroll.

Do you still pay a copay if you have two insurances?

In most cases their secondary policy will pick up the copay left from the primary insurance. There are some cases where the secondary policy also has a copay and those patients may end up with a copay applied after both insurances process the claim.

How to determine which health insurance is primary?

The insurance that pays first is called the primary payer. The primary payer pays up to the limits of its coverage. The insurance that pays second is called the secondary payer. The secondary payer only pays if there are costs the primary insurer didn't cover.

What is double insurance?

Double insurance refers to the method of getting insurance of same subject matter with more than one insurer or with same insurer under different policies. This means that one can get insurance policies on a subject matter more than its value. Double insurance is possible in all types of insurance contracts.

Is it illegal to have two types of health insurance?

Most individuals only have one health insurance plan, known as “primary” insurance. However, some people also secure additional medical coverage or a “secondary” insurance plan. Having dual coverage is perfectly legal.

What happens if you have overlapping insurance policies?

When you have car insurance overlap, the most obvious problem you will encounter would be this. You must pay for two insurance policies when one would do to cover any potential loss or damage to your car. Even if you wish to terminate an existing insurance coverage, you can only obtain a pro-rata return.

Can you have two health insurances with Medicaid?

The simple answer to the question of “can you have both Medicaid and private insurance?” is a resounding “YES”! Medicaid is given to low-income U.S citizens in need and will not be disputed due to already enrolled in a private health insurance program.

Can you use two insurances for prescriptions?

Coordination of Benefits on a prescription plan allows a member with more than one prescription drug coverage plan to have their claims processed through both coverage plans. This can help to offset some costs not covered by a member's primary insurance.

What is the difference between a PPO and a HMO?

HMOs (health maintenance organizations) are typically cheaper than PPOs, but they tend to have smaller networks. You need to see your primary care physician before getting a referral to a specialist. PPOs (preferred provider organizations) are usually more expensive.

Can I be on my spouse's health insurance and my own?

Can I keep my plan and join my spouse's plan? Yes, you can. If you already have health insurance, you can also opt to go on your spouse's as a form of secondary insurance, says Gross. Your primary insurance will pay its share of your medical costs first.

Can I have two medical insurance plans?

Yes, you can have two health insurance plans and it is perfectly legal, but it is also important to fully understand how primary vs secondary insurance operates.

Will I lose my Medicaid if I get Medicare?

People who have both Medicare and full Medicaid coverage are “dually eligible.” Medicare pays first when you're a dual eligible and you get Medicare-covered services. Medicaid pays last, after Medicare and any other health insurance you have.

Can I use my secondary insurance as primary?

The short answer is no, you can't. As outlined above, an individual's employer-sponsored plan will always be primary. Even if a spouse or parent's plan has better coverage or maybe a lower deductible, you can't submit claims to them first.

What is the best health insurance company to go with?

Best Health Insurance Companies for 2025
  • Best Overall and Best for Self-Employed: Kaiser Permanente.
  • Best Widely Available Plans: UnitedHealthcare.
  • Best for Low Complaints and Best for Chronic Conditions: Aetna.
  • Most Affordable: Molina Healthcare.

Which health insurance company denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

What happens to my younger wife when I go on Medicare?

Medicare is individual insurance, so spouses cannot be on the same Medicare plan together. Now, if your spouse is eligible for Medicare, then he or she can get their own Medicare plan.

Who should avoid a high deductible health plan?

While these types of plans can be beneficial to those who are relatively healthy, they can be very expensive for those who have chronic conditions or who experience a medical crisis. It's important to carefully consider your expected medical expenses before choosing to participate in a high deductible health care plan.

What is considered a high deductible health plan in 2024?

For calendar year 2024, a “high deductible health plan” is defined under § 223(c)(2)(A) as a health plan with an annual deductible that is not less than $1,600 for self-only coverage or $3,200 for family coverage, and for which the annual out-of-pocket expenses (deductibles, co-payments, and other amounts, but not ...

Is it better to have a high or low deductible for health insurance?

A lower deductible plan is a great choice if you have unique medical concerns or chronic conditions that need frequent treatment. While this plan has a higher monthly premium, if you go to the doctor often or you're at risk of a possible medical emergency, you have a more affordable deductible.